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Friday, 29 January 2016

Sleep Apnea Advice That Can Work For You

If you or someone you know is plagued by chronic sleep problems, it might be due to sleep apnea. Ignoring sleep apnea can cause serious health problems, so you and anyone you sleep with should be aware of the condition. Continue on to learn about some helpful tips on sleep apnea.

Drop your bad habits to relieve your sleep apnea. Drinking and smoking are a couple of the biggest concerns. You can have severe breathing problems if you are a heavy drinker as it depresses your respiratory system. Smoking adds harmful chemicals which damage your lungs over time. Losing these terrible habits will help a great deal when it comes to alleviating your sleep apnea symptoms.

If you want real assistance with sleep apnea at night, talk to a physician about the optimal CPAP machine for you. The loudness and size of any machine should be considered. Some machines are very quiet and no bigger than a simple bread box. Your doctor should be able to point you in the right direction of a capable machine.

If your weight is higher than it should be, reverse that. Studies have shown sleep apnea and obesity can be related. As a result, the loss of just twenty or twenty five pounds can make a significant difference in reducing your symptoms of sleep apnea.

Playing wind instruments can actually help you control sleep apnea. In Germany, research has been done that suggests playing the didgeridoo will train the muscles of the upper airway. The muscles have a large impact on how well you breathe. Because of this, playing it regularly can help you breathe better when you sleep.

Avoid drinking alcohol very often. Alcohol causes your muscles to relax. While this may be something you desire, it tends to create the problem of sleep apnea. If you must drink, keep it to just a few, and stop drinking well before bedtime. This will keep your throat muscles from relaxing excessively. If drinking is an important part of your life, restrict the amount of alcohol you consume and drink it earlier in the day.

Sleep on your side. Sleep apnea sufferers tend to sleep on their back. If you sleep on your back, you are more likely to have your mouth open and block your airways. It is best to sleep on your side when you can. If you usually sleep on your back, make a conscious effort to change your ways.

Get a chin strap to keep your mouth closed when you are sleeping with a CPAP or BIPAP machine. This little piece of fabric can work wonders to hold your chin that your breathing is not interrupted. Your CPAP machine cannot function properly if your mouth hangs open. Using a chin strap may help.

You need to make sure you have a medical ID on you if you use a CPAP and have sleep apnea. You need to have a way of letting medical personnel know about your condition if you are unconscious. The information on the card should mention your sleep anea and include the full details of the treatment you regularly use.

Try an anti-snoring device. Both snoring and sleep apnea are caused by narrowed airways. It makes sense to have a device that will help both. These devices might be just what you need for a better night's rest.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, do not underestimate the power of losing a few pounds. Those who are overweight usually suffer from sleep apnea due to the circumference of their neck. Shedding some unnecessary weight can really cut down on the pressure airways receive, which means you get easier air flow and breathing during your sleeping hours.

Never sleep on your back if you experience the symptoms of sleep apnea. Most people who have sleep apnea are back sleepers, which means that their airways constrict easier. Use cushions or pillows to prop yourself up on your side while you sleep.

If you have sleep apnea, you shouldn't smoke. Your sleep apnea will worsen because smoking causes swelling in the upper respiratory system. Second-hand smoke is just as damaging to the respiratory system as first-hand smoke. For most individuals, the first month is the worst. Once you are past the first few weeks, the nicotine craving begin to lessen significantly.